LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Just under 200 students gather at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center every day as part of LISD’s auto-tech classes.
Randall Hust, the district’s career and technical education program coordinator, says these classes set students up for early success.
“We start with sophomores over here,” Hust said. “They start with auto-tech one where they learn all the basics of maintenance and light repair, go into auto-tech two and practicum, where they learn all about suspension and steering, brakes, all those kinds of things, and then their practicum level, they actually get to go out and work in different shops.”
In working on providing more unique opportunities for students taking part in these classes, the district heard feedback regarding what the the automotive industry may need from technicians long-term.
“We have a lot of industry partners that kind of guide us and direct us, and one of the things we’ve been hearing over and over is that our students need more access and exposure to electric vehicles,” Hust said.
That’s where Tesla comes in. Company representatives stopped by the ATC to share what it’s like to start as a technician and tips on working your way up in the industry. Students also had the chance to ask some important technical questions along the way.
“This is an opportunity not just to see the car like you’re seeing it at the dealership, but actually figure out how it works, like what’s driving this thing?” Hust said. “This thing will go 0 to 60 in like three seconds, how is that happening?”
With an ever-changing industry comes the need for beginners to be prepared for anything, and Lubbock ISD hopes this opportunity and other collaborations will provide students the tools they need for when they get their chance to be in the driver’s seat.
“Our partners are so good about coming in, working with the students, bringing demos,” Hust said. “Coming in and talking to the kids, having our students go out to them, and this is not unique to automotive. It’s in all of our trades areas, all of our audio-visual areas, all of our graphic design, we have the same partnerships, which is a beautiful thing.”
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